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How Long Do Puppies Have a Soft Spot on Their Heads?

Puppies are born with soft spots, or fontanels, in their skulls just like human babies. However, most new puppy owners are never aware of the fontanel because the soft spots close up when puppies are between 4 weeks and 4 months old -- before puppies reach adoption age. A puppy's fontanel can take longer than four months to close, but it's rare. Even more rare, some puppies' fontanels never close, indicating potentially serious health problems.

Open Fontanel Problems

Open soft spots are associated with a number of physical problems for puppies. While most puppies are unaware of having an open fontanel, there are two main physical problems associated with the condition. One is hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. Also, open-fontanel puppies face a high risk of brain damage from things as simple as careless grooming or falling off the sofa.

Breeds With Soft Spot Problems

Tiny designer dogs, such as teacup and toy breeds of Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Shih Tzus, are most likely to have problems from fontanels that do not close. Puppies with soft spots that never close should not be bred when reaching adulthood, as the condition and associated medical problems can pass on to future generations of puppies.

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About the Author

Laure Justice is a professional copywriter, since 2008. Justice has a broad-based business education, holding an AA in business administration and a Bachelor of Arts in management, plus certifications in accounting and international trade. She has written for GMC, Bounty Paper Towels, Purina's Petcentric, Colgate, Type F, Kudzu, eHow and many others.